Composting methods can be divided into two: 1) the Indore heap method (materials are composted on top of the soil) and 2) the Indore pit method (materials are buried in the soil). The Indore method is suitable for areas with high rainfall. The duration of the composting process is approximately three months. The basic materials commonly used are a mixture of crop residues, livestock manure, soil, and ash from burning.
Indore heap method: the compost material is piled up in layers 10–25 cm thick and topped with thin livestock manure to activate the process, then watered with a mixture of manure and ash. Pile size ranges from 2.5 x 2.5 m to a height of 60 cm. Turning on days 15, 30, and 60 aims to speed up the composting process.
Indore Pit Method: Excavate the soil at a relatively high place and have a good setting. Pit size: 150–200 cm, depth: 80–100 cm. The compost base material is put into the pit, layered, and moistened sufficiently. Every time you turn it over, wet it so that the material is maintained. To speed up the composting process, EM4 can be added to each layer of compost material.
Source: Aminah, Syarifah; Soedarsono, Gatot B; Sastro, Yudi; 2003; Teknologi pengomposan; Jakarta; Balai Pengkajian Teknologi Pertanian.
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